Using synthetic oil

Hi gents,

I have a question. I noticed that our manual specifically warns us against using any oil that has the "energy conserving" markings. Here is what it states:
Do not use API SH or higher oils
displaying a circular API ‘‘energy
conserving’’ service label on the
container. They may affect lubrication
and clutch performance.

I know that with a wet clutch extra slippery oil means slipping clutch, but I thought that our scooters have a dry clutch. So I am confused. Anybody can explain what I am missing here?
Thank you so much
Cheers,
Mad

Fair question as the S'Wing "clutch " is the drive belt. My SWAG is because that's what the engine was designed to use. Being water cooled and not necessarily a " performance " engine requires a bit less on oil spec. Remember today's oil is better than the oils of ole days, that perhaps that's the another reason. Castrol or Shell has worked well for me.

Synthetic oil is not necessary in the S/W and a added expense. If it makes you feel good,its your money and will not cause any harm.
Howard

Rotella T6 is a full synthetic oil that even though you need not worry about a wet clutch it is JASO-MA certified (for motorcycles) and is not API Energy Conserving labeled.  It is pretty economical in price compared to Mobil1 for motorcycles and other motorcycle approved synthetic oils. You can usually even buy it at Wal-Mart,...just make sure its the Rotella T6 in a blue bottle, its labeled as for diesel use and being a 5W-40 it will work well in cold and extreme heat.  Many a motorcyclist uses it due to its JASO-MA certification and lower cost.

Added expense for anything is right answer.  To include 9 new scooters, one new Miata, one used one, several new bikes including BMW/Suzuki/Honda-----WalMart house brand 10-40 has worked for me for over 500,000 miles.....and will do so for my next purchase.

I choose to run synthetic oil in my scooter. On a high rpm engine I feel that it does a better job protecting and not breaking down. I also have peace of mind starting the bike after months of storage knowing that synthetic oils will coat the engine components better over time. With only 2.3 quarts of oil in the bike it's not much of an expense either.

Thanks, gents! Just what I expected. I realized only after my post that the interavals of the oil change are so long. 8K miles or once a year. WOW!

Thanks again.
Cheers,
Mad

I have been using 10W-30 and 10W-40 dino oil for years in the Silver Wing and it seems fine. SWing did not like Rotella T 15W-40 tho. Only time I used that it actually burned a little oil. I bought a gallon of Rotella T5 10W-30 (semi-syn) for my Goldwing as the shifting was a bit rough with other oils. Since making this change the big Wing shifts very smoothly from change to drain. Amazing, and reasonable at Walmart too. This time around the SWing is getting T5 as well. Will simplify, using same oil in both! YMMV

Since the Swing is CVT/dry-clutch, you can use pretty much whatever you like for engine oil.
Also, without a gearbox transmission you aren't exposing the oil to the extreme shear loads that meshing gears do, hence the extended OCI.

It appears the oil requirements in the manual are cut & paste Honda text, just like in all of their smallish engined products (plus, it helps steer you to the oil shelf in the dealerships)

As John said, Walmart oil is fine, it is likely made by Texaco or some other major brand, and conforms to the API standards listed. At $2.75/qt with Purolator filter you can get away for 15 bucks!
But, if it gives you a feeling of security, use a premium oil.

I have used of the above and I've gone synthetic, mostly because of the perceived lubricity and viscosity remaining at change time, it just "feels" better in my fingers, even after putting 10,000 hard and hot miles on it. It stays clean longer, does not leave deposits on internal engine components and the engine does not consume ANY oil.

I use Mobile 1 Extended Performance 15,000mi 10w30 and a Bosch synthetic filter.

Here is a link to Walmart's MSDS search page.

If you look up the Super Tech Motor Oil you will find it is made by Delfin, a respected producer of the Spectrol brand motor oils.

Here is the sheet for the 20W-50 I generally use.

Exactly! I've never seen a Walmart oil refinery......

I made my choice of oil due to my "tactile perception" that it has fully serviceable lubricity, viscosity and dispersion at a greater then recommended OCI, and that gives me peace of mind that I have full protection at the 8k to 10k miles. Safety factor you could call it.

Most riders will find Walmart oil, changed once a year, at the end of the riding season, will give you a long and healthy life.